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Nationwide assessment of the mental health of UK Doctoral Researchers

Author

Listed:
  • Cassie M. Hazell

    (University of Westminster)

  • Jeremy E. Niven

    (University of Sussex)

  • Laura Chapman

    (University of Sussex)

  • Paul E. Roberts

    (University of Sussex)

  • Sam Cartwright-Hatton

    (University of Sussex)

  • Sophie Valeix

    (University of Sussex)

  • Clio Berry

    (Brighton and Sussex Medical School)

Abstract

Doctoral Researchers (DRs) are an important part of the academic community and, after graduating, make substantial social and economic contributions. Despite this importance, DR wellbeing has long been of concern. Recent studies have concluded that DRs may be particularly vulnerable to mental health problems, yet direct comparisons of the prevalence of mental health problems between this population and control groups are lacking. Here, by comparing DRs with educated working controls, we show that DRs report significantly greater anxiety and depression, and that this difference is not explained by a higher rate of pre-existing mental health problems. Moreover, most DRs perceive poor mental health as a ‘normal’ part of the PhD process. Thus, our findings suggest a hazardous impact of PhD study on mental health, with DRs being particularly at risk of developing common mental health problems. This provides an evidence-based mandate for universities and funders to reflect upon practices related to DR training and mental health. Our attention should now be directed towards understanding what factors may explain heightened anxiety and depression among DRs so as to inform preventative measures and interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Cassie M. Hazell & Jeremy E. Niven & Laura Chapman & Paul E. Roberts & Sam Cartwright-Hatton & Sophie Valeix & Clio Berry, 2021. "Nationwide assessment of the mental health of UK Doctoral Researchers," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:8:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-021-00983-8
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-021-00983-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Levecque, Katia & Anseel, Frederik & De Beuckelaer, Alain & Van der Heyden, Johan & Gisle, Lydia, 2017. "Work organization and mental health problems in PhD students," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(4), pages 868-879.
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